Just Married: Ryan Jacobson and Beth Raleigh

Bride’s parents: John and Dorothy Raleigh
Groom’s parents: Chuck and Laura Miller and Chuck and Victoria Jacobson

How they met:
Beth and Ryan work in the same industry but didn’t meet until a mutual friend introduced them. Both were busy with their careers and kids and neither was looking for a serious relationship. Undeterred, their mutual friend arranged an introduction because she knew that Beth and Ryan shared many interests.

When Beth saw Ryan for the first time, she took the initiative and asked him to go to a baseball game with her. He was impressed that she was interested in baseball and he accepted.

The proposal:
On New Year’s Eve 2011, the couple and their kids spent most of the evening with Beth’s family. After returning home and putting the kids to bed, Beth and Ryan were alone for the first time all evening. She noticed that Ryan seemed nervous, but before she could ask him what was wrong, he proposed.

The wedding:
The couple was married April 27, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Her father escorted Beth, which was a bittersweet moment for him, because Beth is the youngest of five children and the last one to marry. The Rev. Robert Dziedziak performed the ceremony. Katie Raleigh, the bride’s sister-in-law, sang “Ave Maria” during the lighting of the unity candle.

Ryan’s son, Xander Jacobson, and Beth’s son, Liam Walker, were ring bearers and stole the show in their matching outfits, which included a dapper hat and suspenders.

The reception:
The home of the bride’s brother and sister-in-law, John and Jill Raleigh, provided the venue for the outdoor reception. The rustic reception theme was carried throughout, with beautiful soft white lights, burlap table runners and flower boxes designed and built by Ryan.

The favors were eucalyptus mint soaps made by Sunny Day Soap.

The honeymoon:
With a blended family consisting of two young boys, Beth and Ryan realized that their honeymoon might be a rare chance to get away. They selected Costa Rica as their destination and began their eight-day honeymoon in Manuel Antonio, where the newlyweds hiked the national park and went boogie boarding in the Pacific waves. Then they traveled to La Fortuna, where they ziplined near the volcano, repelled down waterfalls and went white-water rafting.

Fun facts:
Beth carried her grandmother’s prayer missal, which had also been carried at the weddings of Beth’s mother and sister.

Photos of all grandparents at their respective weddings were displayed at the reception, which reminded guests that loved ones were gone but not forgotten.

The cake topper was painted by Beth’s and Ryan’s boys — a collaboration that created a unique and memorable topper.

The details: 

Photographer: Liquid Crystal Photography
Flowers: Beneva Flowers
Invitations: DG Invites
Catering: Sarasota Catering Company
First Dance: “By Your Side” by Sade